Proverbs 11:2, Pride – Humility

May 6, Proverbs 11:2

Matthew 23:1-12 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5).

Pride – Humility

Humility is to have a just idea of yourself. “The man who thinks he is too big for a little place, is too little for a big place” (Havner).

1. Self-Centeredness Fetters: When pride comes, then comes shame. The word pride here is rare. It is used in Proverbs only twice more (13:10, 21:24). Its root means to boil up, and so to act with insolence, rebelliously, even godlessly! Nevertheless, the evil of pride is the subject of a number of other proverbs (8:13, 14:3, 16:18, 29:23). This is a sin to which Solomon was exposed. To his position of absolute regal power, add knowledge, fame and fortune. Most of us have a lot less to be proud of, but therein is the greater danger. Proud, arrogant man, with nothing to be proud of, likes to have everything his own way. “It is a shame to man, who springs out of the earth, who lives upon alms, depends upon God, and has forfeited all he has, to be proud” (Henry). He is like a boy trespassing in someone’s field, but he can’t enjoy the thrill of it for fear of being caught. A proud man is ever fearful, always on the watch to protect his vaunted pride. Recall the arrogance of Pharaoh; and of the fathers of Israel (Neh.9:10); the presumptuous man; and the false prophet (Deut. 17:12, 13), all these came under the judgment of God. Such pride puts the reign of self in place of God. Self is enthroned; God is dethroned. Pride is a wrong state of mind, and shame must follow it as night follows day.

2. God-Centeredness Frees: With the lowly is wisdom. The word for lowly (tsana) appears only here (and as verb in Mic. 6:8), means modesty, or humility. It is the opposite of pride considered above. Lowliness sees the self in its true light. It is so conscious of the presence of God that it can therefore only be humble. This is God’s rule. The higher in grace, the lower in humanistic self-esteem, so much lauded today. William Jenkyn put it bluntly, “Better be a humble worm than a proud angel.” Witness this humble spirit in the great Moses, who when called to lead Israel, cried, I am not able to bear all this people alone because it is too heavy for me. Let me not see my wretchedness (Nu. 11:14, 15). The young prophet Isaiah, when he saw the Lord, high and lifted up, cried, Woe is me! I am a man of unclean lips (Is. 6:5). Jeremiah, when informed of God’s call, said, Ah, Lord God! behold I cannot speak, for I am a child (Jer. 1:6). What of Amos, the herd-man of Tekoa (Amos 7:12-16)? Recall the response of Peter in Luke 5:8. Do we not see true humility supremely in the stooping of our dear Lord (Phil. 2:5-8)? In His teaching, Jesus wedded meekness and poverty of spirit, for they, said He, shall inherit the Kingdom of God. Yes, it is the truly humble who shall be exalted (Matt. 5:3-5; 18:4; Lu. 14:11), but sham humility is a sickening hypocrisy. Augustine said, “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”

Humbled we must be if to heaven we go:
High is its roof of light, but yet its gate is low.

Thought: “God’s choice acquaintances are humble men” [and women] (R. Leighton).

Prayer: Give me the grace to apply Thy humility to my pride.